Real-Life Communication
You're a butler in one of the largest international hotel chains.
It is well known for its high level of customer service. As a head butler,
it is your job to make sure that the guests in the presidential suites are
well looked after and that all of their needs are met.
Sometimes, to
ensure this happens, you're asked to fulfill some unusual requests.
When
you arrived at work this morning, you received one of these requests. One
of your guests needs you to do some shopping for him before he leaves town
this evening. Your guest, who is from China, wants a gift to take home for
his wife.
However, he doesn't want just any gift. Price isn't
a big factor, although he has asked you to limit the cost to between $500
and $800, if at all possible. The only other real requirement is that it be
"American." By this he means he wants something American-made, and it must
represent the country itself.
Before your guest leaves to attend his
last appointment of the day, you suggest a few ideas. Your guest answers,
"Let me tell you a few things about my wife that might make your job easier."
He
explains that his wife loves clothes. In fact, clothes are her favorite things
to buy. However, she has several closets full and doesn't wear half of
what she has. She also likes unique artwork to decorate their various homes.
But he's concerned about carrying the item home so it can't be too
big or too fragile.
"Her favorite color is green, if that helps you,"
says your guest upon leaving. "Oh yes, and she loves jewelry."
You
set out that afternoon to purchase the gift. You know you want to visit three
different stores that have a good selection of American gifts.
The
first store you visit specializes in sweaters, hand-made by the natives in
North Dakota. The shop has a fabulous selection and the sweaters are beautiful.
They range in price from $250 to $450. You make a mental note to remember
the sweaters before moving on.
The second store you visit has a fine
selection of artwork -- everything from pictures to ornaments. You see a beautiful
framed picture of the Rocky Mountains painted by an American artist. It's
quite large -- four feet by six feet. It costs $805.
You also see an
interesting jade sculpture that features an eagle soaring over a mountain.
The ornament is deep green, fits in the palm of your hand, and costs $699.
The
last store you visit has a tremendous selection of jewelry. You look at earrings,
necklaces and finally bracelets. One bracelet made out of gold and sapphires
catches your eye. You ask the clerk how much the bracelet costs and she answers
$939.
You leave the store, knowing you don't have much time. You
have to purchase a gift and get back to the hotel before your guest prepares
to leave town. You review in your mind the different gifts that might be suitable.
They are:
- A sweater, priced between $250 and $450
- A large picture of the mountains, priced at $805
- A jade sculpture of an eagle small enough to sit in the palm of your hand
and priced at $699
- A gold bracelet that costs $939
Thinking back to the requirements that the guest gave you, you eliminate
three out of the four gift ideas, either due to price, size or
lack of American style. The item you are left with is the one you decide to
buy.
Which item is it?